FAQ

Questions about Samantha and S.J. Harper

Is Samantha Sommersby your real name?

Where did S.J. Harper come from?

I see in your biography that you used to work in the psychiatric field. What did you do and do you think that experience impacts your writing?

Questions about Sam’s and S.J’s Books

How many books will be in the Fallen Siren Series?

What inspired the Fallen Siren Series?

Can you clarify the order of the Forbidden Series? It’s been reprinted a couple times and that makes nailing down the reading order a little confusing.

Will there ever be another Forbidden book?

Once Upon and Heiress is being released as a 3 Part Serial, is that the same thing as a Series?

You’ve written in several different genres. Do you have a favorite? What’s the most challenging?

What’s next?

Questions about Writing

What’s your writing schedule like?

You’re writing with a partner now. What impact has that had, if any, on your writing process?

What does it take to write a book? Is it hard?

I’ve written a book and would like to get it published, do you have any advice?

I’ve written a book and would love for you to critique or endorse it. Can I send it to you?

What’s the most challenging aspect of being a writer?

What’s the absolute best thing about being a writer?

Questions about Samantha and S.J. Harper

Is Samantha Sommersby your real name?

No, it isn’t. When I received my first book contract, I was still working professionally at the full-time day job, so I decided to use a pseudonym. When my then editor called asking is if I wanted to go with a Pen name or my real name, I was watching the movie Sommersby with Richard Gere and Jodie Foster. The rest…is history.

Where did S.J. Harper come from?

S.J. Harper represents the writing team of Samantha Sommersby (AKA The “S” in S.J. Harper) and Jeanne C. Stein (AKA the “J” in S.J. Harper). Penguin felt very strongly that Jeanne and I needed to write under a single name. Harper came about after we did a (very informal) survey in bookstores and established that the letter “H” was often eye level on bookshelves. We then started to go down the list of the most popular surnames beginning with the letter “H”. Harper was the winner!

I see in your biography that you used to work in the psychiatric field. What did you do and do you think that experience impacts your writing?

After getting my Masters in Social work I became a licensed psychotherapist. I did hospital based work and private practice for years before taking a management position for Anthem Blue Cross on the west coast. I do think my prior work experience influences my writing in a couple of ways. Not only do I often write about characters who work in the mental health field (for example Wesley from The Sacrifice, Ahmed from The Soldier and the Spy, Mac from Shelter from the Storm), I spend considerable time really fleshing out who they are. I create full backgrounds for them and try to understand what drives them, motivates them—what makes them tick.

Questions about Sam’s and S.J’s Books

 

How many books will be in the Fallen Siren Series?

We don’t exactly know, but we’re hoping for a bazillion! The publisher initially contracted for two books. Cursed (Book 1) is coming out in October of 2013, we don’t have an official release date yet from our publisher for the currently untitled Book 2. We’re hoping for summer of 2014. Keep an eye out for an official announcement on either the News or Coming Soon pages.

What inspired the Fallen Siren Series?

It started with a germ of an idea about Hades and Persephone, about monumental failure, revenge, and redemption. I have these beautiful paintings in my house that were created by Mollie Kellogg, a local San Diego artist. They were inspired by a poem her husband, author T. Collins Logan wrote. I’ve spend many hours staring at those paintings. They were really the genesis of the initial idea.

Can you clarify the order of the Forbidden Series? It’s been reprinted a couple times and that makes nailing down the reading order a little confusing.

It does. The series was initially released by Linden Bay Romance, LLC with covers that were predominantly red and black and fairly erotic. They were re-pubished with more of a purple urban fantasy covers in an effort to increase appeal with booksellers. Bonus content was added, which expanded the books and they were re-covered yet again when Linden Bay Romance, LLC was bought by Samhain Publishing, Ltd. Each book will stand on it’s own. If you want to read them in the order they were written that would be The Sacrifice, The Ascension, The Revolution, The Temptation.

Will there ever be another Forbidden book?

I hope so. Plot bunnies for book 5 continue to rumble around in my head.

Once Upon and Heiress is being released as a 3 Part Serial, is that the same thing as a Series?

No, not really. The three parts combined will make up a complete story. I’m self-publishing this one and experimenting with some different models. The book came in at 180,000 words – really, really, long for the contemporary/erotic romance genre. I’m trying to do some streamlining and thought I might try releasing it in 3 parts with each being around 50,000 words (novel length).

You’ve written in several different genres. Do you have a favorite? What’s the most challenging?

My favorite is that bridge between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. I enjoy mixing the elements of the hero’s journey with fantastic creatures, world-building, and an inspiring (not to mention hot) love story. I’ve written one Historical Romance, The Soldier and the Spy. It was SUCH a challenge to write. I bow before authors of Historical Romance. SO MUCH RESEARCH!

What’s next?

Jeanne and I are currently finishing Book 2 in the Fallen Siren Series. We’re hoping for a Book 3. Emma and Zack are fun and compelling characters to write and their journey is far from over. We’ve also been knocking around an idea for a YA Urban Fantasy collaboration. We’ll just have to see what tomorrow brings.

Questions about Writing

What’s your writing schedule like?

It’s quite variable. When I’m working on something independently, I tend to set a goal of 1000 words per day. When collaborating, that might end up being more. Sometimes quite a bit more. But then I also have periods when Jeanne is writing and I’m eating bon bons while soaking in the bath and catching up on all the television series I never watched – like Alias, 24, Lost, Vampire Diaries, Walking Dead. I know. Sad.

You’re writing with a partner now. What impact has that had, if any, on your writing process?

Writing used to be a very organic process for me. I would have an idea, sit down with my laptop, and then see where my muse took me. When you’re writing with a partner, you really need to be on the same page. So, I’ve gone from being a pantser to a plotter. Jeanne and I spend time developing character profiles, nailing down all of our settings, and creating a scene list. There’s a lot of effort put into prep work. Once that’s finished, the writing is a joy. We’re able to divide up our scenes, then switch between writing, critiquing, then smoothing out the story line. Since the Fallen Siren series is written in first person POV, it’s extremely important that Emma’s voice be consistent and ring true to character.

What does it take to write a book? Is it hard?

I’d say if it’s hard not to write, then you might just be a writer. Do it every day. Plod through. Don’t give up. It takes determination and imagination, persistence, an ego that is more interested in furthering the story than itself, and some dumb luck.

I’ve written a book and would like to get it published, do you have any advice?

The publishing industry is very different now than it was a decade ago. Authors have many choices. Read about them. Talk to other authors. Weigh your options. Think about what’s right for you. Do you want to self-publish? Would you be most comfortable with a small press? One of the larger indies? One of the Big 5? Depending on your personal goal, you’ll proceed differently. If you want to write Romance, one of the best things you can do is join Romance Writers of America and attend your local chapter meetings. Network. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to take risks. And, don’t give up.

I’ve written a book and would love for you to critique or endorse it. Can I send it to you?

I would love to be able to say yes to critiques, but I can’t. I believe in giving back to the writing community, but my writing schedule and other duties means my time is limited. I’m currently involved in Emerson College’s Mentoring Program (they have a major in Writing, Literature and Publishing and attract some amazing talent). And I am open to considering endorsements of books that are already sold and in the Urban Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance genre. The best way to make a request is to have your publisher, editor, or agent contact me.

What’s the most challenging aspect of being a writer?

Appearances. Appearances. Appearances. I’m terrified of public speaking. If you happen to see me at a con or signing, please tell me I’m doing fine. Tell me no one is really there to see me. Assure me that I look great, not hyperventilating or the least bit green. Lie.

What’s the absolute best thing about being a writer?

Are you kidding? I have to pick one? Getting paid to do what I love to do. I feel so blessed. Getting to create. Knowing people are reading and enjoying my stories. What a rush!